There is no “optimal” resume format since it depends on what you have done and what you want to achieve. For instance, if you apply to a more conservative industry like banking or continue down a pre-determined professional path like engineering, you will want to use a chronological resume. However, if you have limited job experience, are entering a substantially different field from your educational route, or are changing careers, a skills/functional CV is a good option.

When you apply for a job online, you send your resume to an applicant tracking system or ATS. Companies and organizations use a variety of applicant tracking systems, each with its own set of features. Professional resume writing services use standard formatting (e.g., Times New Roman), section titles (e.g., Education, Projects, Experience), and work history format (name of the company, position title, and dates) to ensure your resume is ATS friendly and uploads successfully. However, you need to avoid using headers, text boxes, footers, colors, tables, pictures, or graphics. To upload to the ATS, start with a Word or Google Doc, then convert to PDF.